A renewable energy start-up is preparing to capture opportunities in the fast-growing green hydrogen sector – projected to be worth $230 billion globally by 2032 – after receiving support from Business Gateway and through the East Renfrewshire Accelerator (ERA) Programme funded by East Renfrewshire Council.
Wattmelon, founded by Hao Liu, is pioneering hydrogen-powered off-grid electric vehicle (EV) charging systems that address grid constraints and accelerate the transition to net zero.
The company completed its Concept Design 2 in 2024 and is now preparing its first UK demo unit, with testing expected to be confirmed in 2025 and to begin in 2026.
Wattmelon’s vision is to provide scalable, sustainable EV charging solutions that support the UK’s renewable energy ambitions while creating local economic impact.
Based in East Renfrewshire, with a liaison office in Shanghai, China, Wattmelon works closely with international and UK partners. The company has signed strategic cooperation agreements with global Tier 1 hydrogen fuel cell companies and leading UK hydrogen production and refuelling firms. These partnerships will support the delivery of Wattmelon’s first UK test unit and future roll-out.
Hao received support from a team of Business Gateway East Renfrewshire advisers, including Scott Arnot who gave one-to-one business plan support. Hao also received advice in sales strategy, intellectual property and innovation support, pitching and mentoring.
Business Gateway also provided guidance on strategy, funding and business connections, helping Wattmelon build strong international collaborations and prepare for growth.
Wattmelon is now working with Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International, which will help position the business to play a role in the global hydrogen market, forecast to reach $230 billion by 2032.
Hao Liu, founder of Wattmelon, said: “I am so happy with the growth of the business, we’ve come so far from where I started. Business Gateway has been a massive help – the support the team, and Scott in particular, has provided has been influential. We have been able to grow and develop so much as a business and none of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for Scott and the team at Business Gateway.”
Scott Arnot, Business Gateway East Renfrewshire adviser, said: “Hao has such a strong vision for Wattmelon and the future of sustainable energy. It has been so interesting to see how he is developing these systems and the changes they can make. It is a pleasure to have been able to support Hao along this journey and I am excited to see how Wattmelon continues to progress.”
To find out more about Business Gateway and how they can help your business grow and succeed, visit https://bgateway.com.
